HIV/AIDs campaigners have been compelled to upgrade the conventional Abstain, Be Faithful and Condom use mantra code named the ABCs of Prevention to suit emerging trends of sexual indulgence.
With increased poor sexual choices the ‘B’ has for instance been upgraded from Be Faithful to ‘Be Faithful to Your Faithful Partner’.
Speaking to Ultimate News, the Ashanti Regional Coordinator for not for profit organization Hope For Future Generations Ira Etsa Heathcote – Fumador explained that while parties in amorous relationships strived to remain faithful; they would also have to keep an eye out for the faithfulness of their partners.
“A stands for abstinence but for anyone who is sexually active, the B is be faithful to your faithful partner.”
“We used to say be faithful but if you are being faithful to a partner who is not faithful, you still stand the risk of contracting HIV. So you re being faithful to your faithful partner,” She insisted.
Ira further disclosed that the ‘C’ has also been modified to now stand for correct and consistent use of condoms.
HIV XMAS Campaigns
Hope for Future Generations which has been running targeted HIV/AIDs interventions among youth and other communities at high risk has been harping thee enhanced codes as it hits HIV hotspots in the Ashanti Region to sensitize people ahead of the Christmas festivities.
At the Asafo BB slums free testing for free food drew out good numbers while volunteers went on a zone by zone Campaign on early detection and prevention.
Ira Heathcote – Fumador cautioned, “let’s enjoy ourselves during the Christmas festivities but while at that; let’s take precaution because HIV/AIDS is real and no respecter of persons.”
The campaign further targeted pregnant women with advocacy for Prevention of mother to child transmissions which has unfortunately left several children and youth with the virus for no fault of theirs.
“Women who get pregnant should go to the health facilities to be tested. When found to be positive, they will be put on medications to protect the unborn baby,” the coordinator advised.
HIVAIDS Prevalence
Ghana marked World Aids Day on 1st December with a call for communities living with; at risk of and affected by HIV/AIDS to lead the way in the fight.
Recording a 1.8% prevalence rate, some 354 927 people are living with HIV in Ghana.
Last year alone (2022) the Ghana AIDS Commission reported 16 thousand new infections with more than 10,000 of these cases recorded among females.
Out of the total 16,574 new HIV infections recorded in the 2022 National and Sub-National HIV/AIDS estimates and projections, females accounted for 10,927 of the new infections while males constituted 5,647.
With 87% of the population aware of their HIV status; Ghana is racing against time to meet a 2030 deadline for at least 95% of all people to know their status; 95% of all positive cases to be put on antiretroviral medication and a further 95% of all HIV patients on medication to be declared Virus-undetectable and untransmutable.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Ivan Heathcote–Fumador
